ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Fingers that change color

Definition

Fingers that change color when they are exposed to cold temperatures or stress are a sign of cyanosis. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes from lack of oxygen.

Alternative Names

Considerations

Raynaud's phenomenon may cause sudden change in the finger color.

Causes

• Arterial insufficiency or spasms of arteries that supply blood to the fingers and toes
• Buerger's disease
• Necrotizing vasculitis
• Scleroderma
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

Home Care

Avoid smoking.

Avoid exposure to cold in any form. Wear mittens or gloves outdoors and when handling ice or frozen food. Avoid chilling, which may happen following any active recreational sport. Wear comfortable, roomy shoes and wool socks. When outside, always wear shoes.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor for an appointment if:

• Your fingers change color and the cause is not known
• Fingers or toes turn black or the skin breaks

The doctor will perform a physical examination, which will include close examination of the hands, arms, and fingers.

The doctor will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

• Time pattern
  • Did the fingers suddenly change color?
  • Has the color change occurred before?
• Aggravating factors
  • Does cold or emotion cause the fingers to turn white?
  • Does cold or emotion cause the fingers to turn blue?
• Quality
  • Do fingers turn red?
  • Do they turn blue?
  • Do they turn white?
  • Do they look black or gray?
• Aggravating factors
  • Did this occur after anesthesia?
  • Do you smoke?
• other
  • What other symptoms do you have?
  • Is there finger pain?
  • Is there arm pain?
  • Is there a change in the texture of the skin?
  • Is there loss of hair on the arm or hands?

Tests that may be done include:

• CBC
• Blood differential
• X-ray of the hands and feet

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.